Integrated multifunction scope for optical combat identification and other uses

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for enabling an integrated multifunction scope for optical combat identification and other uses. The functionality of Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) is combined with Optical Combat Identification Systems (OCIDS) or other identification as friend or foe (IFF) systems. This can provide for improved MILES performance through the utilization of a common laser transmission system and/or the use of location information systems, such as global positioning system (GPS) coordinates. According to some embodiments, various additional features may be included for use in training and/or combat environments.

The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/734,530, filed on Jun. 9, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/186,058, filed on Jul. 19, 2011 (now U.S.Pat. No. 9,068,798 issued Jun. 30, 2015), which claims benefit under 35USC 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/365,517, filed on Jul.19, 2010, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein byreference for all purposes.

The present application further incorporates by reference, in itsentirety, U.S. Pat. No. 7,983,565, filed on Dec. 10, 2008, entitled“Integrated Optical Communication and Range Finding System andApplication Thereof.”

BACKGROUND

Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) is a modern,realistic force-on-force training system. An exemplary MILES system isthe MILES 2000® system produced by Cubic Defense Systems, Inc. As astandard for direct-fire tactical engagement simulation, MILES 2000 isused by the United States Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force. MILES 2000has also been adopted by international forces such as NATO, the UnitedKingdom Ministry of Defense, the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps, and theKuwait Land Forces.

MILES and other combat training and simulation systems typically areseparate from Optical Combat Identification Systems (OCIDS) and otheridentification as friend or foe (IFF) systems. Combat-ready weaponsequipped with OCIDS, for example, must be reconfigured with MILESsystems each time they are to be used in training. Similarly,training-ready weapons must be reconfigured with OCIDS before they areused in combat.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Systems and methods are provided for enabling an integratedmultifunction scope for optical combat identification and other uses.The functionality of a training/simulation unit, such as MultipleIntegrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) is integrated with anidentification as friend or foe (IFF) system, such as an Optical CombatIdentification System (OCIDS). Besides providing the added convenienceof an integrated unit functional in both training and combatenvironments, the invention can provide an integrated laser system thatutilizes a global positioning system (GPS) and/or common laserwavelengths for improved MILES performance and functionality. Accordingto some embodiments, various additional features may be included for usein training and/or combat environments.

An embodiment of a weapon-mounted optical scope configured to operate ina combat mode and a training mode, according to the disclosure cancomprise an observation telescope configured for viewing of an image ofa target a laser transceiver coupled to the observation telescope andconfigured to communicate using an optical signal, and an identitydetermination unit communicatively coupled to the laser transceiver andconfigured to make a determination regarding the target based, at leastin part, on identification information received using the lasertransceiver. The weapon-mounted optical scope further can include asimulation unit communicatively coupled to the laser transceiver andconfigured to transmit simulation information, using the lasertransceiver, when the weapon-mounted optical scope is operating in thetraining mode. Finally the weapon-mounted optical scope can include alocation information unit communicatively coupled with the simulationunit and configured to calculate location information indicative of alocation of the weapon-mounted optical scope.

The weapon-mounted optical scope also can include one or more of thefollowing features. The simulation unit can be configured to include thelocation information in the simulation information. The lasertransceiver can be configured to receive data indicative of the locationof a receiver unit, and communicate the data to the simulation unit, andthe simulation unit can be configured to use the data and the locationinformation to determine a distance of the receiver unit. The simulationunit can be configured to transmit distance information regarding thedistance of the receiver unit using the laser transceiver. An indicatorcan be configured to communicate to a user whether the weapon-mountedoptical scope is operating in the training mode. A radio frequency (RF)unit can be configured to transmit the location information. The lasertransceiver can be configured to generate a laser beam having awavelength of approximately 1550 nm. The location information unit cancomprise a global positioning system (GPS) receiver.

An embodiment of a method for determining a distance of a receiver unitfrom a multifunction scope, according to the disclosure, can includetransmitting a first optical signal with the multifunction scope, inconjunction with the simulated firing of a weapon and receiving a secondoptical signal. The second optical signal can include first locationinformation indicative of a location of the receiver unit. The methodalso can include determining second location information indicative of alocation of the multifunction scope, and calculating the distance of thereceiver unit from the multifunction scope using the first locationinformation and the second location information.

The method for determining a distance of a receiver unit from amultifunction scope also can include one or more of the followingfeatures. A third optical signal can be transmitted with themultifunction scope. The third optical signal can include dataindicative of the distance of the receiver unit from the multifunctionscope. A determination can be made regarding a target associated withthe receiver unit based, at least in part, on the second optical signal.An indication of whether the multifunction scope is operating in atraining mode can be made. Data indicative of the distance of thereceiver unit from the multifunction scope can be transmitted using anRF signal. The distance of the receiver unit from the multifunctionscope can be displayed. A lethality associated with the simulated firingof the weapon can be calculated. Data indicative of the lethality can betransmitted using an RF signal.

An embodiment of a multifunction scope, according to the disclosure, caninclude an observation component configured for viewing of an image of atarget, an identification component configured to make a determinationregarding an identity of the target, an optical transmission componentconfigured to transmit a first optical signal in conjunction with thesimulated firing of a weapon, an optical receiving component configuredto receive first location information representing a location of areceiver unit from a second optical signal, a location informationcomponent configured to determine second location informationrepresenting a location of the multifunction scope, and a calculationcomponent configured to calculate a distance of the receiver unit fromthe multifunction scope using the first location information and thesecond location information.

The multifunction scope can include one or more of the followingfeatures in addition. The optical transmission component can beconfigured to transmit a third optical signal including datarepresenting the distance of the receiver unit from the multifunctionscope. An RF transmission component can be configured to transmitinformation representing the distance of the receiver unit from themultifunction scope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention witha MILES system activated.

FIG. 2 is a is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present inventionwith a MILES system deactivated.

FIG. 3 is a is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present inventionincorporating a laser designator and an IR illuminator.

FIG. 4 is a simplified illustration of an image visible through aviewfinder of a multifunction scope, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a simplified illustration of another image visible through aviewfinder of a multifunction scope.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for determining lethalityof a simulated “hit” using a multifunction scope and a receiver unit,according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for determining lethalityof a simulated “hit” using a multifunction scope and a receiver unit,according to a second embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The ensuing description provides embodiment(s) only, and is not intendedto limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the disclosure.Rather, the ensuing description of the embodiment(s) will provide thoseskilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing anembodiment. It being understood that various changes may be made in thefunction and arrangement of elements without departing from the spiritand scope of this disclosure.

Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement Systems (MILES), such as MILES2000, include wearable systems for individual soldiers and marines aswell as devices for use with combat vehicles (including pyrotechnicdevices), personnel carriers, antitank weapons, and pop-up andstand-alone targets. The MILES 2000 laser-based system can be mounted ona weapon to allow troops to fire infrared “bullets” from the sameweapons and vehicles that they would use in actual combat. Thesesimulated combat events produce realistic audio/visual effects andcasualties, identified as a “hit,” “miss,” or “kill.” Upon detecting asignal from a weapon-mounted transmitter unit, a receiver unit cancalculate the lethality of a simulated “hit” based on the type of weaponand its distance from the receiver unit using a microprocessor or otherprocessing device.

Combat training systems such as MILES are typically utilized in trainingenvironments only. Thus, the wearable systems and other devicesassociated with the training systems may be replaced with combat-readyequipment, such as IFF systems including OCIDS. These IFF systems areknown in the art for military aircraft and other weapons systems, andhave recently been introduced for the dismounted soldier. See, forinstance, U.S. Pat. No. 7,983,565, filed on Dec. 10, 2008, entitled“Integrated Optical Communication and Range Finding System andApplication Thereof,” which is incorporated in its entirety for allpurposes. IFF systems can include laser systems that generate andinterrogation signal of optical pulses which are aimed at a remotetarget. The remote target, if equipped with a responding system, can addidentification or other information to the interrogation signal andreturn the modified interrogation signal as a response signal to thelaser system, which processes the response signal to identify the remotetarget.

Embodiments of the present invention include a multifunction scope thatcan integrate MILES and IFF systems to increase the capabilities of theMILES. For example, a MILES receiver unit may currently measure lightloss to determine the distance of a weapon-mounted transmitter unit andcalculate the lethality of a kill. However, varying atmosphericconditions may alter the light loss, and thereby adversely affect theaccuracy of the MILES. In contrast, by utilizing the communicationcapabilities of an IFF system, the multifunction scope can communicateadditional information during MILES training, such as the distanceand/or location of the weapon-mounted transmitter unit. The receiverunit can be similarly adjusted to receive such communication and therebydramatically increase the accuracy of MILES and/or similar systems.

In the above embodiment, location and/or distance may be calculated invarious ways. The multifunction scope, for example, may utilize rangefinding technologies to calculate distance to a receiver unit.Alternatively, the multifunction scope may be coupled with one or morelocation information units that can provide location information, suchas a GPS receiver, and simply transmit its location (e.g., coordinates)to a receiver unit. The receiver can utilize the distance and/orlocation information to calculate a lethality of the corresponding shot.Moreover, the receiver can communicate the results of the lethalitycalculation to a central system using a radio or other communicationmeans.

Additionally or alternatively, the receiver unit can communicateinformation, such as identification information and/or locationinformation back to the multifunction scope. For example, the receiverunit can comprise a modulating retroreflector (similar to those found inIFF responding systems) configured to communicate identification and/orlocation information by modulating a laser signal sent from themultifunction scope. To provide location information, the receiver unitadditionally can include a GPS receiver.

The laser capabilities of the MILES functionality in a multifunctionscope described herein can also be improved by utilizing the laserhardware of the IFF system. For example, conventional MILES systemstypically use lasers with 904 nm wavelengths, which can be harmful tothe human eye and suffer from atmospheric attenuation that candramatically reduce the range of the MILES system depending on variousatmospheric conditions. On the other hand, IFF systems can utilizelasers with 1550 nm lasers. Not only are the 1550 nm lasers less harmfulto the human eye, they are less susceptible to attenuation due tovarying atmospheric conditions, and can be used over longer ranges.Thus, by integrating a 1550 nm IFF laser system into a MILES system of amultifunction scope, the resulting MILES functionality of themultifunction scope can have increased performance while posing less ofa danger to users.

The range and reliability of a MILES functionality in a multifunctionscope further can be improved when integrated with GPS. The lethality ofa simulated “hit” is determined not only by where the simulated bullethits the target, but also by the distance of the target from theweapon-mounted multifunction scope. Because beam spreading and othereffects on a laser beam can vary due to different atmosphericconditions, the use of GPS to determine the distance of the target fromthe weapon can be more accurate than a range determined by a laser. Italso can eliminate the need of a receiver unit on the target to returninformation to the multifunction scope. For example, in connection withthe firing of a simulated bullet, the multifunction scope cancommunicate identification and/or location information to the receiverunit, which can use the information to calculate lethality. For example,the receiver unit can calculate distance using location information ofthe multifunction scope and the receiver unit. Alternatively, thereceiver unit can use identification information to receive locationinformation form a central system, which can maintain and/or receivecurrent location information of the multifunction scope.

The multifunction scope also can utilize radio frequency (RF)capabilities of communication units used in combat to improve MILESfunctionality. Conventional MILES systems often utilize Very HighFrequency (VHF) radio transmitters to communicate information to acentral system. However, because VHF is optimal for only short-distanceterrestrial communication, the VHF radio transmitters can require theuse and setup of radio towers. On the other hand, by integrating an RFunit used in combat, such as a tactical radio, into the multifunctionscope, MILES-related information can be relayed to a squad radio, andback to a central system, without the need for separate radio towers.Information, such as location data, can be communicated automatically ormanually (e.g., voice).

The multifunction scope contemplated by the present invention presentsvarious other advantages over prior systems. For instance, by combiningIFF with MILES functionality, the resulting multifunction scope is muchlighter in weight. Additionally, for systems mounted on weapons such asrifles, the multifunction scope provides better balance of the weapon.This is because MILES systems typically use laser transmitters mountedon or near the end of a barrel, causing the weapon to be front heavy.Furthermore, there is no need to adjust or reequip weapons during thetransition from training to combat. Because the multifunction scopedescribed herein may be used in both training and combat environments,there is no need to physically replace equipment.

Embodiments of the present invention can further provide for a MILESactivation unit that activates the MILES and ensures the safe and securetransition from training to combat mode. The MILES activation unit cancomprise a physical unit that may only be activated/deactivated by asoldier or commander having a physical key. Additionally oralternatively, sensors can be used to detect whether live and/or blankrounds have been inserted into the chamber of the weapon and/or whetherthe weapon's safety is engaged. It will be understood that there arenumerous additional ways in which the MILES activation unit may betriggered to activate or deactivate the MILES. A simple switch, forexample, also may be used.

Referring first to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an embodiment of amultifunction scope 100-1 in a training mode (e.g., the MILES unit 115is activated) is shown. This embodiment incorporates an observationtelescope 105 with an IFF/rangefinder 110 and MILES unit 115. Accordingto this embodiment, the IFF/rangefinder 110 and MILES unit 115 utilize asingle laser transceiver 120 for IFF, range finding, and MILESfunctionality. The laser transceiver 120 may comprise a lasertransmitter and one or more optical sensors for receiving opticaltransmissions. In some embodiments, the laser transmitter uses a laserthat generates light having a wavelength of 1550 nanometers, but lasersgenerating other wavelengths, including 904 nm, may be used.Additionally, a visible laser (e.g., red-spotting laser) can beintegrated into the multifunction scope 100-1, used for aiming a weaponto which the multifunction scope 100-1 is coupled. The present inventioncontemplates numerous ways of integration, including embodiments (notshown) in which MILES functionality is wholly incorporated into theIFF/rangefinder 110. Furthermore, one or more of the components depictedin the figures can include hardware and/or software for communicatingwith other components to provide for the integration and functionalityof the multifunction scope 100-1. With this understanding, one or moreof the components shown in FIG. 1 and other figures may be physicallyand/or logically combined or separated, without departing from thespirit of the disclosure provided herein.

The observation telescope 105 allows viewing in a typically magnifiedway, a distant target. The target could be a combat, training, orhunting target. The observation telescope 105 could be, for example,mounted on a tripod, a vehicle, or the weapon. Various embodiments canhave different components mounted to the observation telescope 105, butgenerally there are mechanisms to determine distance or range to thetarget from the weapon and/or the observation telescope 105 along with away to automatically gather location information.

The multifunction scope 100-1 of FIG. 1 further includes a radiofrequency (RF) unit 125 communicatively coupled with the MILES unit 115.As discussed earlier, the RF unit 125 can be a tactical radiocommunicatively coupled with a squad radio that can relay informationfrom the MILES unit 115 to a central system. Additionally oralternatively, the laser transceiver 120 can communicate MILES and/orIFF information to receiver unit 130, which can relay the information tothe central system. In either case, the information communicated via theRF unit 125 and/or the laser transceiver 120 can include weapon, range,identification, and other information.

The observation telescope 105 has ability to display certain statusinformation that can include the status of the MILES functionality(e.g., whether MILES is activated or not), distance to an object, and/orwhether a receiver unit 130 has been identified by the IFF/rangefinder110. The display (not shown) of the observation telescope 105 could beviewable through an eyepiece of the observation telescope 105, with anintegral display elsewhere on the observation telescope 105, and/or on adisplay separate from the observation telescope 105.

A location information unit 135 and orientation sensors 140 are coupledto the observation telescope 105 in this embodiment to determinelocation. As discussed above, the location information unit 135 caninclude GPS and/or other location systems. The orientation sensors 140can include a compass, inclinometer, and/or other systems, which cansense the azimuth and elevation angles of the observation telescope 105.In addition or as an alternative to a magnetic compass, orientationsensors 140 can include a celestial compass, such as those made by TrexEnterprises Corporation, of San Diego, Calif., which can accuratelydetermine orientation from images of celestial objects.

FIG. 2 is a is a block diagram of an embodiment of a multifunction scope100-2 with a MILES unit 115 deactivated. The multifunction scope 100-2in this state is combat ready and may identify a target 145 for IFFidentification, range finding, and/or target designation. For example,with the location of the observation telescope 105, a distance to atarget provided by the IFF/rangefinder 110, and orientation informationgathered from orientation sensors 140, the location of the target 145can be determined automatically. The location of the target 145 can berelative to a location of the observation telescope 105, or it maycontain absolute coordinates. This information can be communicatedelectronically to a central system and/or other military units forcalling in weapons fire to the location of the target 145 without theuse of a laser designator.

FIG. 3 is a is a block diagram of an embodiment of a multifunction scope100-3 of the incorporating a laser designator 150 and an IR illuminator155. This embodiment has the capability to designate a target remotelyusing a laser. A laser designator 150 is aligned with the line-of-sightof the observation telescope 105 to create an illumination point on thetarget such that a local and/or remote weapon can fire at theillumination point. Often a non-visible wavelength is used by the laserdesignator 150 to avoid the target 145 knowing of the designation. Theobservation telescope 105, however, is able to detect the wavelength ofthe illumination point and show the illumination point on its display.Other parties with equipment sensitive to the illumination point'swavelength also can see the illumination point to aim their weapon.Additionally, certain weapons can guide themselves to the illuminationpoint.

Range to the target along the line-of-sight can be determined by laserranging or other ranging techniques, provided by the IFF/Rangefinder 110or the laser designator 150. Moreover, in some embodiments the laserdesignator 150, IFF/rangefinder 110 and laser transceiver 120 can beintegrated into a single component using a single laser.

Additionally, the multifunction scope 100-3 illustrated in FIG. 3includes an IR illuminator 155 that can be coupled with the observationtelescope 105. The IR illuminator 155 can provide illumination of atarget for infrared/night vision detection by the observation telescope105 and/or other infrared sensors.

FIG. 4 is a simplified illustration of an image 400 visible through aviewfinder of an observation telescope 105 of the multifunction scope100, according to one embodiment. Part of the image 400 shows a targetscene 410, which could be directly relayed through optics or could bedisplayed on a screen for indirect viewing of an observed image. In thisembodiment, the observation telescope 105 uses an electronic display toshow the image 400 and other information. This embodiment includes MILESstatus indicator 420, a friend or foe status indicator 430, a rangeindicator 440 (indicating range to target along the aim point), and across-hair grid 450. Different information may be displayed in differentforms according to other embodiments. A user can see the displayinformation through the eyepiece of the observation telescope 105.

FIG. 5 is a simplified illustration of another image 500 visible througha viewfinder of an observation telescope 105 of the multifunction scope100. Here, the observation telescope 105 is in a training/simulationmode, as indicated by the MILES status indicator 420. Depending ondesired functionality, the friend or foe status indicator 430 can beactive as shown in FIG. 5, or it may be deactivated for trainingpurposes.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are provided as examples and are not limiting. Theinformation displayed in FIGS. 4 and 5 can be shown in numerous formsand formats. For example, the MILES status indicator 420 and/or thefriend or foe status indicator 430 can simply be a light or otherindicator enabling a quick determination of status. Moreover, any or allof the indicators and/or other information provided in FIGS. 4 and 5 canbe located inside the target scene 410. Furthermore, additionalinformation can be provided, such as information received via the lasertransceiver 120 and/or RF unit 125, orientation sensors 140 (e.g.,heading), location information unit 135 (e.g., current locationcoordinates), battery life, status of the laser designator 150 and/or IRilluminator, etc.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 600 for determininglethality of a simulated “hit” using a multifunction scope 100 and areceiver unit 130, according to a first embodiment. At block 610, a usershoots a weapon coupled with a multifunction scope 100 with MILESactivated. At block 620, multifunction scope 100 transmits initialinformation toward a receiver unit 130, which returns the optical signalat block 630.

The initial exchange of information in blocks 620 and 630 between themultifunction scope 100 and the receiver unit 130 can include a varietyof information. For example, the multifunction scope 100 can transmitidentification information. Additionally or alternatively, the receiverunit can modulate the optical signal to include identification,location, and/or other information of the receiver unit 130.

At block 640, the multifunction scope 100 receives the response signalfrom the receiver unit 130. The multifunction scope 100 can then, atblock 650, use location information received from the receiver unit tocalculate range data, or distance of the multifunction scope 100 to thereceiver unit 130. At block 660, the multifunction scope 100 transmitsrange data back to the receiver unit 130, which then uses the range andother information to calculate the lethality of the shot, at block 670.At block 680, the receiver unit 130 can then inform the target, whichcan be a soldier wearing the receiver unit 130, of the lethality. Basedon the functionality of the receiver unit 130, this can be a signalprovided by audio, visual, and or other means.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 700 for determininglethality of a simulated “hit” using a multifunction scope 100 and areceiver unit 130, according to a second embodiment. Similar to themethod 600 illustrated in FIG. 6, a user shoots a weapon coupled with amultifunction scope 100 with MILES activated at block 710, themultifunction scope 100 transmits initial information at block 720, andthe initial information is received by the receiver unit 130 at block730. Here, however, the receiver unit determines the range of themultifunction scope 100 at block 760. If the initial informationincludes location information coordinates of the multifunction scope 100(e.g., GPS coordinates), the receiver unit 130 can use its own locationinformation to determine a range. On the other hand, if the initialinformation received from the multifunction scope includesidentification, the receiver unit 130 can use the identification to lookup location information of the multifunction scope 100 from a centralsource, such as a central server (e.g., computer) communicativelycoupled with both the multifunction scope 100 and the receiver unit 130.With the range determined, the receiving unit can calculate lethality,at block 770, and inform a target of the lethality, at block 780.

Of course, many variations may be made to the methods 600, 700 of FIGS.6 and 7. Differing functionality can depend on, among other things, theprocessing and connectivity capabilities of the receiver unit 130 and/ormultifunction scope 100. Alternative embodiments can include, forexample, a multifunction scope 100 receiving information regarding wherethe “hit” was received by the target, calculating lethality of a shot,and transmitting the lethality information to a receiver unit.

While a multifunction scope 100 for optical combat identification andother uses is described herein with reference to particular blocks, itis to be understood that the blocks are defined for convenience ofdescription and are not intended to imply a particular physicalarrangement of component parts. Further, the blocks need not correspondto physically distinct components.

Circuits, logic modules, processors, and/or other components may bedescribed herein as being “configured” to perform various operations.Those skilled in the art will recognize that, depending onimplementation, such configuration can be accomplished through design,setup, interconnection, and/or programming of the particular componentsand that, again depending on implementation, a configured componentmight or might not be reconfigurable for a different operation. Forexample, a programmable processor can be configured by providingsuitable executable code; a dedicated logic circuit can be configured bysuitably connecting logic gates and other circuit elements; and so on.

Computer programs incorporating various features of the presentinvention may be encoded on various computer readable storage media;suitable media include magnetic media, optical media, flash memory, andthe like. Computer-readable storage media encoded with the program codemay be packaged with a compatible device or provided separately fromother devices. In addition program code may be encoded and transmittedvia wired optical, and/or wireless networks conforming to a variety ofprotocols, including the Internet, thereby allowing distribution, e.g.,via Internet download.

While the embodiments described above may make reference to specifichardware and software components, those skilled in the art willappreciate that different combinations of hardware and/or softwarecomponents may also be used and that particular operations described asbeing implemented in hardware might also be implemented in software orvice versa.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of determining lethality of a simulatedshot by a weapon, the method comprising: receiving, with a wearablereceiver unit, initial information from a transmitter unit mounted tothe weapon, wherein the initial information is received via an opticalsignal; obtaining, with a wearable receiver unit, coordinates indicatinga position of the transmitter unit; determining a location of thewearable receiver unit; determining, with the wearable receiver unit, adistance between the wearable receiver unit and the transmitter unit,the distance determined from the determined location of the wearablereceiver unit and the coordinates indicating the position of thetransmitter unit; calculating, with the wearable receiver unit, thelethality of the simulated shot, the calculated lethality based on thedetermined distance between the wearable receiver unit and thetransmitter unit; and providing, with the wearable receiver unit,information indicative of the determined lethality to a target.
 2. Themethod of determining a lethality of a simulated shot by a weapon ofclaim 1, wherein the coordinates indicating the position of thetransmitter unit are obtained from the initial information.
 3. Themethod of determining a lethality of a simulated shot by a weapon ofclaim 1, further comprising obtaining an indication of a weapon type,wherein calculating the lethality of the simulated shot is further basedon the weapon type.
 4. The method of determining a lethality of asimulated shot by a weapon of claim 1, wherein the initial informationfurther comprises identification information of the transmitter unit. 5.The method of determining a lethality of a simulated shot by a weapon ofclaim 4, wherein obtaining the coordinates indicating the position ofthe transmitter unit comprises obtaining, from a device separate fromthe wearable receiver unit, the coordinates indicating the position ofthe transmitter unit using the identification information of thetransmitter unit.
 6. The method of determining a lethality of asimulated shot by a weapon of claim 1, wherein providing the informationindicative of the determined lethality to the target comprises providingan audio or visual signal.
 7. The method of determining a lethality of asimulated shot by a weapon of claim 1, further comprising sending, withthe wearable receiver unit, information indicative of the determinedlethality to a device separate from the wearable receiver unit.
 8. Anon-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions thereon forcausing one or more computing devices to determine a lethality of asimulated shot by a weapon, the instructions comprising computer codefor: receiving initial information from a transmitter unit mounted tothe weapon, wherein the initial information is received via an opticalsignal; obtaining coordinates indicating a position of the transmitterunit; determining a location of a wearable receiver unit; determining adistance between the wearable receiver unit and the transmitter unit,the distance determined from the determined location of the wearablereceiver unit and the coordinates indicating the position of thetransmitter unit; calculating the lethality of the simulated shot, thecalculated lethality based on the determined distance between thewearable receiver unit and the transmitter unit; and providinginformation indicative of the determined lethality to a target.
 9. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the computer code forobtaining the coordinates indicating the position of the transmitterunit includes computer code for obtained the coordinates indicating theposition of the transmitter unit from the initial information.
 10. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the instructions furthercomprise computer code for obtaining an indication of a weapon type,wherein calculating the lethality of the simulated shot is further basedon the weapon type.
 11. The computer-readable medium of claim 8, whereinthe instructions further comprise computer code for obtaining, from theinitial information, identification information of the transmitter unit.12. The computer-readable medium of claim 11, wherein the computer codefor obtaining the coordinates indicating the position of the transmitterunit comprises computer code for obtaining, from a device separate fromthe wearable receiver unit, the coordinates indicating the position ofthe transmitter unit using the identification information of thetransmitter unit.
 13. The computer-readable medium of claim 8, whereinthe computer code for providing the information indicative of thedetermined lethality to the target comprises computer code for providingan audio or visual signal.
 14. The computer-readable medium of claim 8,wherein the instructions further comprise computer code for sending,with the wearable receiver unit, information indicative of thedetermined lethality to a device separate from the wearable receiverunit.
 15. A wearable receiver unit comprising: a global positioningsystem (GPS) receiver configured to determine a location of the wearablereceiver unit; and a processing unit configured to cause the wearablereceiver unit to: receive initial information from a transmitter unitmounted to the weapon, wherein the initial information is received viaan optical signal; obtain coordinates indicating a position of thetransmitter unit; determine a distance between the wearable receiverunit and the transmitter unit, the distance determined from thedetermined location of the wearable receiver unit and the coordinatesindicating the position of the transmitter unit; calculate the lethalityof the simulated shot, the calculated lethality based on the determineddistance between the wearable receiver unit and the transmitter unit;and provide information indicative of the determined lethality to atarget.
 16. The wearable receiver unit of claim 15, wherein theprocessing unit is further configured to cause the wearable receiverunit to obtain the coordinates indicating the position of thetransmitter unit from the initial information.
 17. The wearable receiverunit of claim 15, wherein the processing unit is further configured tocause the wearable receiver unit to provide the information indicativeof the determined lethality to the target via an audio or visual signal.18. The wearable receiver unit of claim 15, wherein the processing unitis further configured to cause the wearable receiver unit to sendinformation indicative of the determined lethality to a device separatefrom the wearable receiver unit.